Daily Prayers

Saturday, 28 April 2007

Zelda Virginia Donovan - Rest in Peace

Zelda Virginia Donovan, our mother, passed away at 7am this morning in Shellharbour public hospital following a period of ill-health.
 
Zelda suffered some minor strokes a few years ago that restricted her movement and made it difficult for her to eat. She showed her strength of character by overcoming these small incoveniences and continue to cook, clean and entertain at home as well as enjoying outings to the movies, shopping, and picnics. Zelda particularly liked to be taken on drives to Berry, Gerroa, and Robertson.
 
Over time, however, she continued to lose weight and the rigours began to catch up ealier this year. Last month she became anaemic and very weak and was admitted to hospital for a couple of weeks where they gave her blood which perked her up. Because of her frail state other invasive procedures were not possible. She came home and was very happy to be in her own house and bed.
 
In the past month Zelda's health continued to deteriorate as she contracted an infection and then suffered a series of further strokes that at the end prevented her eating and speaking. She was readmitted to Shellharbour hospital Thursday a week ago where they were able to provide fluids to prevent dehydration and antibiotics for the infection.
 
Zelda is survived by her husband, Greg, five children, eight grand-children, and one great-grandson. Her zest for life and no-nonsense attitude will be missed by all.
 
Your prayers at this time would be most welcome.
 
Regards
Sean
 

Friday, 27 April 2007

The End of Limbo

Further to our discussion last Sunday, Peter found the interesting articles below.

ROME - 23 April 2007 - 200 words

Vatican issues report on 'limbo'

The theological hypothesis of 'limbo' appears to have been based on an "unduly restrictive view of salvation," according to a report published on Friday by the International Theological Commission.

The 41-page document says the issue presents an "urgent pastoral problem" because of the large number of unbaptized babies who die through abortion. It concludes that there are serious theological and liturgical grounds for the hope that such babies are saved and enjoy the beatific vision.

The commission's documents are not considered official expressions of the magisterium. But they do help the Holy See examine important doctrinal issues.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church in No. 1261 explains: 'As regards children who have died without baptism, the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them.

'Indeed, the great mercy of God who desires that all men should be saved, and Jesus' tenderness toward children which caused him to say: 'Let the children come to me, do not hinder them,' allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without baptism.'

Source: VIS


© Independent Catholic News 2007


Contact Independent Catholic News tel/fax: +44 (0)20 7267 3616 or email

 

explainer: Answers to your questions about the news.

The End of Limbo What happens to all the babies who used to be there?

By Michelle Tsai
Posted Monday, April 23, 2007, at 6:59 PM ET

The Vatican announced on Friday the results of a papal investigation of the concept of limbo. Church doctrine now states that unbaptized babies can go to Heaven instead of getting stuck somewhere between heaven and hell. If limbo doesn't exist, what happened to everyone who was supposed to have been there already?

They've probably been in heaven all this time, but no one knows for sure. Until the recent announcement, the limbo crowd was thought to include anyone who hadn't been baptized but would otherwise deserve to go to heaven—like infants (including aborted fetuses), virtuous pagans, and pre-Christian Jews. Those who had been baptized, on the other hand, either joined God in heaven, made up for their sins in purgatory, or suffered forever in hell.

If limbo never existed in the first place, you might assume that these souls passed straight through St. Peter's gates. But the carefully worded document from the Vatican's International Theological Commission stops short of certainty in this regard, arguing only that there are "serious theological and liturgical grounds for hope," rather than "sure knowledge."


The fate of unbaptized babies has confounded Catholic scholars for centuries. According to church catechisms , or teachings, babies that haven't been splashed with holy water bear the original sin, which makes them ineligible for joining God in heaven. At the same time, as innocent beings, they surely don't deserve eternal torment. St. Augustine concluded in the fourth century that the babies must be punished in the fire of hell, but only with the " mildest condemnation ." Eight centuries later, Thomas Aquinas thought infant souls wouldn't go to heaven, but they wouldn't suffer in the afterlife, either (and they wouldn't even know what they were missing

 

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

FaithWorx - The Sacraments, Part II - Sunday 6:30pm St Johns Hall Meeting Room

Last week we had a very interesting and thought provoking discussion about the sacrament of baptism. Some of the things we talked about included: what baptism means; the historical context; who can receive baptism and when; the difference between christianity, islam, and judaism on the question of original sin; how does Catholic baptism differ from other denominations; and how you can explain baptism to non-Christians.
 
You are invited to join us this week as we continue to uncover
 
The Sacraments
 
This week we will focus on Confirmation and the Eucharist. You are welcome to join our discussion and raise your own questions and comments. Share in the knowledge and experience of the Campbelltown Parish to enrich our faith.
 
Suggested Links:
 
Where: St John's Hall meeting room
TIme: Sunday 6:30pm (following 5pm mass)
 

Monday, 23 April 2007

Amber Moon - (c) Sean Donovan 1998

© Sean Donovan 1998

Amber Moon

Amber Moon
Amber Moon
Fire in the west
Fire in the room
Smoke in the sky
Smoke in the room
Leads up to you
Amber Moon

Amber Moon
Amber Moon
Caught by the wind
Caught by the tune
Flames in the night
Sparks in the room
Carry to you
Amber Moon

Amber Moon
Amber Moon
Man on the run
Running from you
Rise in the sky
You're leaving too soon
I'm talking to you
Amber Moon

Greetings LeatherJackets!

Greetings LeatherJackets!

A couple of quick items ….

1. Bar-B-Que Saturday – Remember that the BBQ is on this Saturday at Craig's place from 4pm onward. If you haven't already, please confirm your number attending to Craig so he and Todd can cater.

            Date:               Saturday 28th April
 
           Time:              4pm onward
            Location:        5 Brampton Close Hinchinbrook
            RSVP:            Craig, 0409 363 533
            Cost:               $15 per head
                                   
BYO Drinks

 All past, present and future members and partners/family welcome.

 

2. State Championships – The State Championships were held last weekend and Sean, Todd, and Glen competed for honour and glory. Unfortunately Robert was unable to make it on Saturday due to unforeseen circumstances. Congratulations to Glen for picking up medals yet again. A great time was had by all.

 

3. Trinity Carnival – Trinity Carnival will be on Saturday 23rd June from 10:30am and entry is $12 for four events. Closing date for entries is 1 st June. The programme is:

  1. 200M CHOICE OF STROKE (ONE CHOICE ONLY)
      A. 200M BUTTERFLY
     
B. 200M BACKSTROKE
     
C. 200M BREASTSTROKE
     
D. 200M FREESTYLE
     
E. 200M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY

 2. 50M BUTTERFLY

 3. 50M BACKSTROKE

 4. A. 100M INDIVIDUAL MEDLEY - OR
    
B. 100M FREESTYLE

 5. 50M BREASTSTROKE

 6. 50M FREESTYLE

 7. 4 X 50M RELAY (ONE RELAY SWIM PER SWIMMER ONLY)

 A WOMEN'S FREESTYLE RELAY

 B. MEN'S FREESTYLE RELAY

 C. MIXED FREESTYLE RELAY

 

See you in the pool!
Sean

 

Monday, 16 April 2007

FaithWorx - The Sacraments, What are they good for? - Sunday 6:30pm St Johns Hall Meeting Room

You are invited to join us over the next two weeks to consider
 
The Sacraments
 
Are the sacraments still the same as we learnt at school? Are the sacraments still relevant today? How can I explain the Catholic sacraments to non-Catholics?
 
Beginning next Sunday night at 6:30pm in the St John's Hall meeting room you are welcome to join our discussion and raise your own questions and comments.
 
Share in the knowledge and experience of the Campbelltown Parish to enrich our faith.
 
Suggested Links:
 
Where: St John's Hall meeting room
TIme: Sunday 6:30pm (following 5pm mass)
 

Thursday, 12 April 2007

I Love You - (c) Sean Donovan 1985, 1997

© Sean Donovan 1985, 1997

I Love You

The stars are calling me to rise up to the sky
Beyond the clouds into the air.
The night is calling me to flight, I'm flying high,
Guided by the sunlight as a stair.

I love you. I love you. I love it when you're there.
I love you. I love you. I hope and pray you care.
And when the dark is coming down, I hope that you will stay around
And love me too. I know that we will
Fly on to the moon.
You're list'nin' to the tune.
And I love you too.

The day of judgement has arrived to take me back
Toward the joy I know is there.
The angel Gabriel will keep me on the track
Leading me away from my despair

I love you. I love you. I love it when you're there.
I love you. I love you. I hope and pray you care.
And when the dark is coming down, I hope that you will stay around
And love me too. I know that we will
Fly on to the moon.
You're list'nin' to the tune.
And I love you too.

LeatherJackets News!

Greetings LeatherJackets:

A couple of updates for you.

1. News from Daniel Atkinson in WA

"Just to let you know that kym and i have a new email address we are doing fine over here in bunbury, for those that dont know that is 2 hours south of perth and it is our new home, yes we have relocated we have no home phone just internet and mobiles, we also have a new addition to the family reily daniel atkinson-brown born on the 22 feb 2007 2.83kg or  6 pounds 4 ounces 51 cm long. we will be setting up a skype account very soon so as we can see each other and talk to each other very cheaply,

anyway thats all i have for the moment

happy easter to all and type to you soon
daniel, kym, imogen and reily"

 

2. Call for assistance as State Champ's

"Dear All,

State Long Course Meet is fast approaching.  I am on the search for some volunteer Warm Up Supervisors for the warm-up period each morning during the State meet.

Would each club please approach their swimmers and ask for a volunteer warm up supervisor for either the Saturday or Sunday warm up period. It is best if the warm up supervisor is not in the 1st event.

All that is asked of our Warm Up Supervisors is that they are on pool deck 10 minutes before warm up begins, each day and report to me that they are on duty.

Please email your volunteers names and their preferred day to me ASAP on jmoate@yahoo.com.au or safetycoord@aussimastswimnsw.org.au

I will then work out a roster. 

I appreciate your assistance and look forward to a successful meet.

Jodie Moate
NSW Safety Officer"

 

See you in the pool

Wednesday, 11 April 2007

FaithWorx - Bible Study - Sunday 6:30pm

I trust you all enjoyed a
HAPPY EASTER
 
FaithWorx recommences this Sunday at 6:30pm in the St John's Campbelltown Hall meeting room with Bible Study, looking at the readings for this week
 
     15/04/2007
     Bible Study
     Second Sunday of Easter
     Acts 5:12-16
     Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
     Jn 20:19-31
 
Some links of interest:
 
 
We were saddened by the loss of Father Charles Kakumanu and Father Stephen O'Donnell from Lismore diocese in a car accident last week. Join us in praying for all involved in this tragic event.
 

 

Thursday, 5 April 2007

FaithWorx - Sabbatical

With the focus on the Easter ceremonies this week there will not be a
FaithWorx group meeting this Easter Sunday night. However we will
start again with bible study on the following Sunday 15th April.

The proposed programme for the next couple of months is outlined
below. Please let us know if you have a topic that you would like
covered or someone you would like to invite to speak to the group.

Wishing you a very holy Easter.

Sunday Adult Group

Sunday
6:30pm

St John's Parish Hall Meeting Room

You Are Welcome!

8/04/2007
Easter Sunday
(Easter Services
No Meeting Sunday night)

15/04/2007
Bible Study
Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:12-16
Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
Jn 20:19-31

22/04/2007
Sacraments - What are they good for?

29/04/2007
Sacraments - Part II

6/05/2007
Bible Study
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 14:21-27
Rev 21:1-5a
Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

13/05/2007
War in Iraq

20/05/2007
Bible Study
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 7:55-60
Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20
Jn 17:20-26

27/05/2007
Pentecost Sunday

3/06/2007
Bible Study
The Most Holy Trinity
Proverbs 8:22-31
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15

10/06/2007
Christian-Muslim Dialogue

17/06/2007
Bible Study
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

The

Logo Explained

What is FaithWorx?

FaithWorx is a regular, dynamic meeting space and time during which we can participate in faith formation and development activities, and share our thoughts and experience with other people in our community. It provides an opportunity for new and existing parish members to make contact with groups and join in the life of the Parish.

The Name Explained -

FaithWorx is both a description of the activity of the group – a faith workshop – and also a statement on the effect of our belief in Jesus in our daily life – Faith Works!

The Colours Explained -

Blue represents the sky and green represents the land created for us by God and over which He gave us dominion and responsibility. The red of the cross reminds us of the blood that Jesus shed for us and the yellow halo on the cross represents the resurrection and the promise of new life.

The Symbols Explained -

The capital “F” stands for Fish and represents us as the bounty of the Catholic church as well as the earliest and oldest symbols of the Christian faithful. The capital letter “X” (chi) is an abbreviation for the title of Christ in Greek (Χριστός). The cross in the centre reminds us of Christ’s crucifixion for our sins and the reconciliation between God and His people. The highlight of the FX and the start and end of the symbol phonetically indicates the “effects” of our Christian faith for us and in our world.

Sunday Adult Group

Sunday

6:30pm

St John’s Parish Hall Meeting Room

You

Are

Welcome!

Date

Topic

8/04/2007

Easter Sunday

(Easter Services

No Meeting Sunday night)

15/04/2007

Bible Study

Second Sunday of Easter

Acts 5:12-16

Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

Jn 20:19-31

22/04/2007

Sacraments - What are they good for?

29/04/2007

Sacraments - Part II

6/05/2007

Bible Study

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 14:21-27

Rev 21:1-5a

Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

13/05/2007

War in Iraq

20/05/2007

Bible Study

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Acts 7:55-60

Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

Jn 17:20-26

27/05/2007

Pentecost Sunday

3/06/2007

Bible Study

The Most Holy Trinity

Proverbs 8:22-31

Romans 5:1-5

John 16:12-15

10/06/2007

Christian-Muslim Dialogue

17/06/2007

Bible Study

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time